A married couple from Mongolia contracted the bubonic plague. It is known that the couple ate raw marmot kidneys. A representative of the World Health Organization in Ulaanbaatar explained that according to beliefs and folk traditions, raw marmot meat is considered a health-promoting agent.
Marmots are often carriers of bubonic plague, a disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It is forbidden to hunt marmots in Mongolia, and the population has been warned of the possible threat of infection. Despite this, illegal harvesting of marmots in Mongolia continues, and people obsessed with beliefs, risking their health and life, eat the raw meat of these animals.
Currently, it is possible to cure bubonic plague - this requires a course of antibiotics. However, in the absence of therapy, the disease progresses rapidly, causing serious consequences and even death.
The couple passed away on May 1. It is known that the region has now been quarantined. At least 118 people talked to the family - all of them are isolated and receive a prophylactic course of antibiotics. Not only local residents were quarantined, but also seven tourists from different countries.
